“I have friends in different parts of the world,” Polina Baratova about participating in the International Model of the United Nations in Abu Dhabi
At the end of October, Polina took part in the International Model of the United Nations in the UAE, and now she shares her experience with readers, as she believes that absolutely everyone should participate in Models. Polina's interview is especially relevant now, because in February 2024, HSE hosted its own Model UN (HSEMUN-24).
Polina, what difficulties did you have to face in the process of participating in the Model?
I can say with confidence that there were no big difficulties. I have been an active modeler and participant in the modeling movement for more than 3 years. Therefore, for me, this Model was not something incredibly difficult. This is my first experience of participating in the international Model and proper diplomatic work in general, and it caused a lot of emotions. I was really looking forward to this event and carefully worked out all the nuances of the trip. Of course, I was worried about what kind of guys would be, how it would be possible to build communication, because everything happens in a foreign language. Of course, English is an international language, but the participants of the Model come from all over the world and communicate in their own language. The question of how well we would understand each other, and whether there would be any difficulties in communication, was really important, because overcoming language barriers is happening all over the world. In fact, everything went great, there were no difficulties. And I realized for myself that I can find a common language in any situation.
How was your communication with other participants? Was it difficult to overcome the language barrier, to be sociable in a non-native language?
No, it was not difficult, there were no problems with the language, because I have been studying English for a long time and always tried to improve my speaking, because I understood that I would communicate a lot with foreigners in my life. When the meetings were held, we used business English, discussed world problems and looked for ways to solve them. During the breaks, we communicated more informally, touched on a variety of topics, and discussed everyday issues: who studies where, who has what interests, and how life is in general. We shared cultural peculiarities and traditions, learned a lot of details about the lives of our peers in other countries. We also practiced other foreign languages to understand how well we are able to use them.
From where were the participants you managed to communicate with most actively? What thoughts did you have after talking to them?
I can't single out any one region or one country. The guys were really from all over the world, and it was interesting for me to talk to everyone. I found new friends from the UK, the USA, Greece, South Africa, Australia and the UAE itself. The geography of the Model is very extensive, its scale is amazing, because each participant brings their own life experience, cultural traditions, their own vision and solutions to global problems. It was very interesting for me to communicate with participants from different countries, share experiences and impressions, and listen to who lives how.
How did this Model of the United Nations differ from those in which you participated earlier?
CWMUN Emirates is one of the largest international UN Models. It takes place on the basis of the UN Economic and Social Council. It was the first time I entered the international level, before that I took part only at the national level models of the largest universities in our country.
For me, this Model was significantly different from the way of thinking of its participants. On any Model, it is very important to reason and understand what is happening through the prism of the interests of the state that you represent. In the Models within the same country, all participants have a similar understanding of the policies of the countries represented, since they all have the same mentality, cultural traditions and a common context for perceiving global policy issues. And at the international level, each participant conveys their political opinions, formed on the basis of national and cultural characteristics of society in various countries. This is how an international community is formed, which gathers the opinions of a wide variety of countries. Thus, the international Model is closest to real UN meetings. Thanks to this, constructive solutions are born in the discussions, positions are found that can satisfy each side. And this is very important on the world stage, especially in the UN, when the majority of participants should actually support the theses put forward in the resolution. On the international Model, these factors are fully manifested.
What were your functions on this Model of the UN? What have you been doing?
On the “Change The World” model, I would be one of the delegates of the IAEA committee, representing Serbia. I made a report, expressed the country's position, participated in drafting a resolution and forming a coalition. The agenda of our committee was devoted to the use of nuclear energy for environmental purposes, as far as it is constructive and prospective. In total, four coalitions were formed, between which there were heated debates. Everyone expressed their opinion and gave weighty arguments in defense of their position. I was in the coalition that actively participated in the discussion of the resolution and conveyed my point of view to the committee.
What advantages and opportunities did participating in this Model give you? In general, what can students gain by participating in the models?
Firstly, Models for me are primarily about meeting very different interesting people. It is international Models that maximize this aspect. Today, I can safely say that I have friends in various parts of the world, which I am very happy about. Secondly, it is the development of their flexible skills and professional competencies, which are directly manifested in diplomatic work. Studying at the International Relations Course, I consider it necessary to practice communication in the field of diplomacy, discuss topical issues of world politics and the ability to defend my position, present and prove it. It is the UN Models that provide this opportunity – to take part in real meetings in compliance with all procedures and using the appropriate business style and certain vocabulary. Thanks to the Models, I have developed my speaking skills and can calmly express my opinion and present my position on many global issues of international politics. All these are essential qualities of a professional diplomat that we all strive to possess. This is where I see the main advantages of participating in UN Models.
Who would you recommend to participate in the UN Models and what should you be prepared for?
I advise everyone to participate, because there are no strict requirements for the participants of the Models. I know many guys who are interested in completely different fields, but still actively participate. It is great, because a person strives to develop in many directions and sees this as a benefit for himself. At the same time, it is important to understand that you need to be ready to go through a lot of materials, be well-read, be “on the agenda”, that is, understand the topic of the meetings, see the situation both from the side of the represented state and from the side of opponents. Of course, you need to have a general idea of the current international relations, to know how global processes are going on, what is the balance of power, etc.
Three words to describe your participation in the Model UN in Abu Dhabi.
Bright. Productive. Unforgettable.